CHEERS – To an award winner. Word is out that the current chairman of the Fulton-Montgomery Community College Board of Trustees will be bestowed an honor by the New York State Community College Trustees association. Gloversville resident Jim Landrio will receive the Trustee Leadership Award on March 12 at NYCCT’s 56th annual conference in Saratoga Springs. The award goes to a trustee who has shown a significant commitment to the community college’s mission through exceptional leadership, inspired vision and outstanding professional contributions in support of the goals and accomplishments of the local campus. Landrio will be the first trustee from FMCC to receive this award. He’ll be representing our community and deserves a sincere cheer.

CHEERS- To talking. Next week, representatives from Fulton and Montgomery counties’ economic development corporations will get together to discuss the possibilities of a joint effort on a new industrial or business park. We think these kinds of meetings are great, and cooperation and consolidation between local entities can be good for all involved. But let’s put aside the secrecy, or the appearance of it. By being up-front, you might get some criticism or outlandish suggestions, but you are all professionals and should be able to back up your decisions with confidence. You are doing what anyone should expect – looking to the future of two neighboring counties – so put some trust in the large number of people who believe in these efforts and be as open as possible.

JEERS – To big pay raises at taxpayers’ expense. Did you get a 5 percent raise last year? Probably not, yet the Empire Center for Public Policy reported this week that total spending on teacher and administrator salaries by school districts outside New York City increased 5 percent, to $14 billion, in the 2008-09 school year. That’s a $670 million increase from the previous year, and it came during a recession and when some of the property taxpayers who are footing the bill are barely making ends meet. If you’re curious about how much teachers are making in your local school district, go to www.seethroughny.net. It includes a link for finding out each teacher’s pay.

CHEERS – To a good gesture. Assemblyman Marc Butler made the announcement this week he has canceled his remaining $34,000 mailing allowance and will ask to have it returned to the general fund. In his words, “I realize the $34,000 isn’t going to be a budget changer.” Of course, his statement is correct, but he’s right in the decision he made. Now, if he could get the other 149 Assembly members and 63 senators to do the same, we’d be talking about some real numbers.

CHEERS – To cheers from the public. It was nice to read the many positive comments that were posted on online comment sections, blogs and Facebook pages regarding the clearing of streets by the Gloversville Department of Public Works’ snow-removal crews. We mention them specifically because of all the past criticism they’ve received after other snowstorms. We cheer all crews for their earnest efforts.

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